Indian automakers bullish on growth, aim to contribute over 12% of GDP by 2026

The auto industry has decided to focus on four key areas of inclusive social development – skills, health care & sanitation, environmental rejuvenation and road safety.

SIAM is working towards supporting sustainable development of the Indian automobile industry with the vision that India emerges as the destination of choice in the world for design and manufacture of automobile.

Apex industry body, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers of India (SIAM) yesterday held its first-ever CSR conclave in New Delhi. Themed ‘Building the Nation, Responsibly’, the conclave saw all the key SIAM members come together to ensure inclusive development of society, while protecting the environment and ecology.

The Conclave was inaugurated by Girish Shankar, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public Enterprise. Praising the automobile industry and SIAM for their efforts in nation building, Shankar said, “We all know that the auto industry and the automotive sector are growing very fast and are really the engine of growth for the entire country.”

Referring to the vision document of the industry, he also noted that the Indian automotive industry will be among the top three industries of the world by 2026. “At the same time, the industry will also encompass safe, efficient and environmental-friendly conditions for affordable mobility of people and transportation of goods in the country.”

Speaking at the conclave, Kenichi Ayukawa, Treasurer, SIAM and managing director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said: “The automobile industry is contributing 7.1 % to the GDP in India. Around 32 million people are involved directly or indirectly in this industry. Total investment by the industry has been to the tune of US$ 35 billion. Our vision is that over the next decade, the Indian automobile sector must contribute in excess of 12% of the country’s GDP, creating nearly 65 million additional jobs by 2026.”

“Now the time has come when we all get together as one entity to draft to implement a socially responsible industry plan so that we can make a bigger possible impact,” Ayukawa said while sharing his views on the corporate social responsibilities of automobile industry.

Putting the theme of the event in perspective, Naveen Soni, Chairman, SIAM-CSR Group, detailed the CSR activities done by the industry. He mentioned that companies are working actively in the areas of road safety, environmental rejuvenation, education and skill development. He emphasised the role of the Indian automobile industry towards society at large.

The day-long SIAM-CSR Conclave 2016 saw participation from some key automobile manufacturers, representatives of various government departments, NGOs and other stakeholders.

The Indian auto industry aims to focus on four key areas of inclusive social development – skills, health care and sanitation, environmental rejuvenation and road safety. According to SIAM, its members are working towards supporting sustainable development of the Indian automobile industry with a vision that India emerges as the global destination of choice for design and manufacture of automobiles.